MedEstheticshttp://medestheticsmag.com
enFDA Approves New HA Fillerhttp://medestheticsmag.com/fda-approves-new-ha-filler
<div class="field field-name-field-deck field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-by-line field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-main-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/fda-approves-new-ha-filler"><img class="img-responsive" src="http://medestheticsmag.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_full_380x380/public/GettyImages-4web.jpg?itok=9O_ZhfiP" width="380" height="380" alt="New Hyaluronic Acid-Based Filler Coming to U.S." title="FDA Approves Prollenium Cross-Linked HA Filler" /></a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a cross-linked hyaluronic acid dermal filler from Ontario, Canada-based Prollenium Medical Technologies. The soft tissue filler is sold under the brand Revanesse in Canada. At the time of print, Prollenium had not announced a brand name or date of commercial availability in the U.S.</p>
<p>In reference to the recent approval, the company’s founder and CEO Ario Khoshbin stated: “This is definitely one of our proudest moments as an organization. FDA approval is a culmination of efforts from every single member of our team. As an organization, we have been working towards this goal from the first day the company opened its doors, and to see it come to fruition is a validation of our vision. The U.S. market and its potential will be an exciting challenge for our team, but one that will have many rewards for our business both in the U.S. and globally.”</p>
<p><em>Image copyright Getty Images</em></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-5 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/article-free-tagging/prollenium">Prollenium</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/article-free-tagging/dermal-filler">dermal filler</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-4 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/articles/news">News</a></div></div></div>Thu, 21 Sep 2017 17:54:09 +0000ihansen1771 at http://medestheticsmag.comhttp://medestheticsmag.com/fda-approves-new-ha-filler#commentsEasing Pain During Lip Injectionshttp://medestheticsmag.com/easing-pain-during-lip-injections
<div class="field field-name-field-deck field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-by-line field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-main-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/easing-pain-during-lip-injections"><img class="img-responsive" src="http://medestheticsmag.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_full_380x380/public/GettyImages-lips4web.jpg?itok=ibFBvRxh" width="380" height="380" alt="Vibration anesthesia for dermal fillers" title="Patient undergoing lip augmentation" /></a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>A split-lip study, published in <em>Aesthetic Surgery</em> (October 2017) has revealed that vibration can reduce the pain of filler injections during lip augmentation. Authors Kirdar Guney, MD, Billur Sezgin, MD, and Reha Yavuzer, MD, used vibration stimulus on 25 patients undergoing lip augmentation with a hyaluronic acid filler. Patients were asked to score the pain during treatment on a scale of 0 to 10 (0 being no pain and 10 the worst pain they had ever felt) for each half of their lips.</p>
<p>The average pain score on the vibration-treated side was 3.82 +/- 1.73 and 5.6 +/- 1.76 on the side with no vibration. Two patients did report increased pain on the vibration-assisted side.</p>
<p><em>Image copyright Getty Images</em></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-5 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/article-free-tagging/lip-augmentation">lip augmentation</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/vibration-anesthesia/article-free-tagging">Vibration Anesthesia</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-4 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/articles/news">News</a></div></div></div>Thu, 21 Sep 2017 17:51:35 +0000ihansen1770 at http://medestheticsmag.comhttp://medestheticsmag.com/easing-pain-during-lip-injections#commentsMichael Gold, MD, Joins AVITA Advisory Boardhttp://medestheticsmag.com/michael-gold-md-joins-avita-advisory-board
<div class="field field-name-field-main-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/michael-gold-md-joins-avita-advisory-board"><img class="img-responsive" src="http://medestheticsmag.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_full_380x380/public/Dr.-Michael-H.-Gold4web.jpg?itok=Jw3BYTvO" width="380" height="380" alt="Michael Gold Joins Avita Scientific Advisory Board" title="Michael H. Gold, MD" /></a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Dermatologist Michael H. Gold, MD, has joined the Scientific Advisory Board of AIVITA Biomedical, a clinical research company and commercial skincare product developer. He joins other notable skincare professionals including: Mary Lupo, MD, founder of the Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology; Zoe Draelos, MD, research and clinical dermatologist; and consumer skincare industry veteran Susan Bloomfield in this role. Dr. Gold’s addition comes as AIVITA prepares to launch its upcoming ROOT OF SKIN line of rejuvenating skincare products.</p>
<p>Dr. Gold is the founder of the Gold Skin Care Center, Advanced Aesthetics Medical Spa, The Laser &amp; Rejuvenation Center, and Tennessee Clinical Research Center located in Nashville, Tennessee. He is a clinical assistant professor at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, an adjunct assistant professor at Meharry Medical College, and serves as visiting professor of dermatology at two medical universities in China. </p>
<p>“Dr. Gold's extensive knowledge in medical and aesthetic skincare will be another welcome addition to our Scientific Advisory Board,” said AIVITA CEO Hans Keirstead. “We view his joining as a vote of confidence in our latest skincare advancements, which we are excited to be bringing to consumers nationwide.”</p>
<p><em>Image: Michael H. Gold, MD</em></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-5 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/avita/article-free-tagging">AVITA</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/article-free-tagging/skin-care">skin care</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/micheal-gold/article-free-tagging">Micheal Gold</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-4 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/articles/news">News</a></div></div></div>Thu, 21 Sep 2017 17:47:32 +0000ihansen1769 at http://medestheticsmag.comhttp://medestheticsmag.com/michael-gold-md-joins-avita-advisory-board#commentsPractice Management: Safety Firsthttp://medestheticsmag.com/practice-management-safety-first
<div class="field field-name-field-deck field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Creating a culture of safety requires more than by the book adherence to OSHA standards— and pays dividends in employee satisfaction and patient outcomes.</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-by-line field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">By Shelley Moench-Kelly, MBA</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-main-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/practice-management-safety-first"><img class="img-responsive" src="http://medestheticsmag.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_full_380x380/public/GettySafetyOpener4web.jpg?itok=hPFNcYd6" width="380" height="380" alt="MedEsthetics September 2016" title="Workplace Safety for Medical Practices" /></a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Medical practices place significant emphasis on patient safety and outcomes. But without equal attention to employee safety, patient care can suffer. Low morale, staffing shortages due to injury and the potential for costly fines are just some of the ways a lack of attention to workplace safety can undermine your aesthetic business. Following is an overview of the workplace safety regulatory requirements for medical practices as well as steps you can take to create a culture of safety in your facility. </p>
<h2>The Letter of the Law</h2>
<p>When people think of workplace safety, OSHA often comes to mind. The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) established standards for all U.S. businesses—including unique regulations for healthcare providers.</p>
<p>OSHA standards dictate that all general industry businesses (which includes healthcare) must follow the “General Duty Clause” that states that each employer will furnish each of his employees a place of employment free from recognized hazards that could cause physical harm or death. Some of the key risks that must be mitigated include non-ergonomic equipment or practices, workplace violence and communicable disease. </p>
<p>OSHA requires employers to provide an OSHA compliance manual to all employees as well as ongoing staff training, notes Christopher E. Poole, MBA, an associate of Medical Management Associates. For healthcare facilities, the manual must include an Exposure Control Plan (ECP), including Blood Borne Pathogens (BBP); Hazard Communication (HAZCOM) on hazardous chemicals used or stored in the facility; as well as a Tuberculosis (TB) policy that sets forth guidelines to prevent unreasonable exposure. In addition, employers must keep records of workplace injuries and illnesses.</p>
<p>“Failure to maintain OSHA compliance, either willingly or unwillingly, can result in violations, fines, and even jail time depending on the breach,” says Poole. “The manual covers examples of safety and health compliance and regulatory requirements that should be reviewed and implemented. New employees must undergo OSHA compliance training within 10 days of hire and annually after that. Businesses need to document the training sessions and retain those records for five years.” </p>
<p>Healthcare facilities also have a personal protective equipment (PPE) requirement. “The employer is required to evaluate the workplace and its processes to determine what type of personal protective equipment is needed to protect employees,” says Keith Brown, safety and health consultant at the University of South Florida, SafetyFlorida Consultation Program. These may include eye protection for laser treatments and face masks to prevent exposure to bloodborne pathogens. </p>
<p>BBP regulations also require establishing and maintaining a needle-stick (or sharps) log, in addition to Illness and Injury reporting logs. “If anyone is stuck with a contaminated needle, that incident would need to be tracked through the sharps log,” says Brown.</p>
<p>Medical practices must also adhere to physical facility standards. These cover safety concerns such as egress (proper number of exits), fire suppression equipment and carbon monoxide detectors. </p>
<p>What if you lease the facility? Still, the practice owner “is responsible for the safety of personnel under the General Duty Clause,” says Marc A. Bianco, COO/EVP of technical services at United Alliance Services, a company that provides OSHA and workplace safety consulting and training. “So whether or not you own the building, if you are aware of a hazard in the building and don’t take action, you could be cited by OSHA.” </p>
<p>In the event that OSHA does make a call on your practice, be prepared and be informed. “Other than in cases of imminent danger and fatal accidents, inspections are most commonly triggered by employee complaints,” says Poole. If your practice is inspected, he encourages owners to be cooperative and friendly, but do not hesitate to ask questions. </p>
<p>“If the inspection is due to a complaint, the OSHA officer must read the complaint before a walk-through of the facility,” says Poole. “Although the officers can go anywhere they like in the practice and can interview employees, the practice should only show them the area(s) that relate to the complaint. Do not volunteer any information. A closing conference will be conducted to discuss findings and propose steps to remedy the situation.” </p>
<p>Businesses typically have the opportunity—particularly on the first offense—to take corrective action if a violation is found. If corrective action is not taken, penalties can increase significantly. </p>
<h2>Intersection of Patient and Worker Safety</h2>
<p>OSHA requirements are often viewed as pertaining primarily to manufacturing facilities and construction sites, because these jobs are perceived as high risk. This changed for many in the healthcare field when 2007-2009 statistics from OSHA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Institutes of Medicine revealed that healthcare workers experience some of the highest rates of nonfatal occupational illness and injury—exceeding those in the construction and manufacturing industries.</p>
<p><em>Image copyright Getty Images</em><br />
<p>So what can private practices and medspas learn from the larger healthcare facilities that are making workplace safety a priority? One, staff and patient safety cannot be separated. A 2012 monograph on “Improving Patient and Worker Safety” issued by the Joint Commission in conjunction with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) Healthcare and Social Alliance Sector Council, identified key areas where worker and patient safety intertwine. They include: lifting and transport of patients; poor lighting; slips and falls due to unsafe flooring surfaces; understaffing of facilities that leads to fatigue and poor practices; infection control; and workplace violence.</p>
<p>In addition to training employees in correct lifting techniques and the use of technologies to help transport patients, the Joint Commission monograph offers protocols to address concerns such as:</p>
<p><strong>Slips and Falls</strong>. Use non-slip flooring, and keep all flooring surfaces dry and free of clutter.<br /><strong>Needle pricks</strong>. Use sharps with engineered sharps injury protection; use blunt cannulas and suture needles to prevent needle sticks; and minimize hand transfers of surgical instruments.<br /><strong>Infection prevention</strong>. Comply with CDC hand hygiene guidelines and CDC recommendations for influenza vaccinations. Use correct personal protective equipment.<br /><strong>Workplace Violence</strong>. Track patients with a history of disruptive behavior and train staff on how to respond. This may include:<br />
-Watching for warning signs and trusting one’s gut feelings.<br />
-Using simple, direct commands to gain patient cooperation.<br />
-Staying at least two arm lengths away from an agitated patient.<br />
-Being aware of where the exit is located and not allowing the patient to get between you and the door.<br />
-Asking bystanders to move away from the area.<br />
-Avoiding arguments or inflammatory language.<br />
-Giving the patient a sense of control by offering choices (when appropriate). </p>
<h2>Creating a Culture of Safety</h2>
<p>Protecting the well-being of your employees and patients, and ensuring that your business is in compliance with OSHA standards requires a top-down as well as a bottom-up approach. “Owners and management should be visible supporters and promoters of safety,” says Bianco. </p>
<p>He recommends appointing an internal safety officer to ensure consistent adherence to safety requirements. Some of the duties of the safety officer, as outlined in the Joint Commission monograph include:</p>
<ul><li>Conducting periodic hazard analyses</li>
<li>Examining data from OSHA Illness and Injury logs (Forms 300, 300A and 301), patient incident reporting systems, and human resources (such as job satisfaction surveys, turnover and absenteeism) to identify patterns and trends.</li>
<li>Developing and improving non-punitive incident reporting systems and encouraging reporting for safety incidents, hazards, errors and near misses.</li>
<li>Investigating worker and patient safety events, errors and near misses to understand and identify contributing factors.</li>
</ul><p>“The best way to create a culture of safety is through training, review, retraining and open communication,” says Poole. He recommends ongoing safety training and discussion that starts with escorting new employees throughout the practice to show them the location and proper use of spill kits, first aid kits, hand and eye wash stations, fire extinguishers and personal protective equipment. “Providing an extensive onboarding process sets a precedent for the importance of workplace safety,” says Poole.</p>
<p>But to truly create a culture of safety, employees must also be involved in shaping protocols and identifying risks. Poole and Brown encourage practice owners to carve out a few minutes during routine staff meetings to discuss safety concerns and areas for improvement. In addition, implement daily huddles to review any safety-related issues that have occurred in the practice during the previous 24 hours. “Through these efforts, employees will recognize that they have helped define and create the company’s safety culture, which in turn allows them to become vested in it,” says Brown.</p>
<h2>Creating Accountability</h2>
<p>There are several ways to track adherence to safety pro–tocols including no-blame reporting on potential risks, daily huddles, inspections by the internal safety officer and staff surveys. </p>
<p>“If there are complaints or injuries, make sure that owners, managers and, most importantly, employees are involved in the corrective actions,” says Bianco. “Reiterate to employees that they are responsible for their own safety in addition to that of their coworkers.”</p>
<p>Poole recommends including adherence to safety standards as part of performance reviews, and rewarding employees who follow protocols and raise risk concerns.<br />
“Additionally, inspecting work areas and providing feedback holds employees accountable and provides context for what is expected and acceptable within the practice’s standards,” he says. “Owners and managers need to support employees who increase their safety performance and counsel employees who are not meeting standards.”</p>
<p>As an employer, you are responsible for the well-being of your employees—as well as your patients’—while they are on your property. In addition to causing harm to the individual, workplace injuries can wreak havoc on your staffing, derail morale and undermine patient confidence. The threat of fines and penalties is just one of many reasons why it is in your best interest to develop and reinforce an environment of safety in your workplace. </p>
<p><em>Image copyright Getty Image</em><br />
<h2>ASLMS Laser and Energy Device Plume Safety Guidelines</h2>
<p>In addition to eye protection, practices that perform laser and energy-based device treatments should also be protecting employees and patients against potential pathogens released by vaporized tissue during treatment. In April 2017, the American Society for Laser and Medicine Surgery’s Laser Plume Committee released the following safety guidelines. </p>
<p>1. All medical personnel should consider vaporized and ejected tissue plume to be potentially hazardous both in terms of the particulate matter and infectivity.<br />
2. Evacuator suction systems should always be used to collect the plume.<br />
3. The suction should have a high-flow volume with filter changes being made per manufacturer’s recommendations to optimize suction and filter capabilities.<br />
4. Filters should be chosen which allow for maximum filtering efficiency.<br />
5. The suction tip must be placed as close to laser impact as possible.<br />
6. For nanosecond and shorter pulsed lasers, physical barriers that capture the ejected debris or smoke evacuators should be used.<br />
7. Evacuator suction tips and physical barriers should be handled per manufacturer recommendations after each procedure to eliminate the risk of cross-contamination.<br />
8. Eye protection, masks, gloves, and appropriate clothing should be worn during laser use by all laser personnel when vaporized or ejected tissue plume is generated. Eye protection should be of a nature that would protect from splatter (as well as wavelength-specific if a laser is used).<br />
9. Masks should fit well and have highly effective filtration down to the smallest particle size available.<br />
10. Non-sterile gloves should be worn.</p>
<p><em>Shelley Moench-Kelly, MBA, is a Vermont-based freelance writer and editor.</em></p>
<p><em>Image copyright Getty Images</em></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-5 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/workplace-safety/article-free-tagging">Workplace Safety</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/laser-plume/article-free-tagging">Laser Plume</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-4 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/5">Practice Management</a></div></div></div>Thu, 21 Sep 2017 17:44:39 +0000ihansen1768 at http://medestheticsmag.comhttp://medestheticsmag.com/practice-management-safety-first#commentsNew Standards for Patient Photographshttp://medestheticsmag.com/new-standards-patient-photographs
<div class="field field-name-field-deck field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-by-line field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-main-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/new-standards-patient-photographs"><img class="img-responsive" src="http://medestheticsmag.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_full_380x380/public/GettyIPhotog4web.jpg?itok=1EabwQcs" width="380" height="380" alt="Capturing Consistent Photos" title="Patient Before and Afters" /></a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Before-and-after images are one of the most effective patient satisfaction and marketing tools available to aesthetic practices. But the quality of your photos is key to reaping the benefits. Different backgrounds, varying hairstyles, and changes in patient positioning may raise red flags for savvy patients, while poor lighting can detract from the outcomes you are trying to highlight.</p>
<p>To help practices capture high-quality, trustworthy before-and-afters, Lukas Prantl, MD, Patricia Ceballos, MD and photography engineer Dirk Brandl, published a “Proposal for Updated Standards of Photographic Documentation in Aesthetic Medicine,” in <a href="//journals.lww.com/prsgo/Fulltext/2017/08000/A_Proposal_for_Updated_Standards_of_Photographic.10.aspx"><em>Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open</em> (August 2017)</a>. The protocol builds upon the standards published by Barry DiBernardo, et al, in 1998.</p>
<p>The authors recommendations include:</p>
<ul><li> Using the same camera and settings for the entire series of photographs.</li>
<li>Marking the distance between photographer and patient to ensure consistency throughout the timeline.</li>
<li>Keeping the camera position at the same level as the anatomic area being photographed to avoid changes in angle or perspective.</li>
<li>Using the same background—preferable grey or dark blue—to elicit natural skin tones and prevent distortion of skin tones.</li>
<li>Darkening the room and using the same artificial lighting with one light to the left and one to the right of the patient.</li>
</ul><p>Patients should remove all makeup and jewelry for facial images and wear the same undergarments for body photography. Facial expression should be neutral and photographers can achieve the same body posture by encouraging patients to stand upright and exhale before the photograph is taken.<br /><em>Image copyright Getty Images</em></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-5 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/plastic-and-reconstructive-surgery/article-free-tagging">Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/patient-photos/article-free-tagging">Patient Photos</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-4 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/articles/news">News</a></div></div></div>Thu, 14 Sep 2017 19:35:57 +0000ihansen1767 at http://medestheticsmag.comhttp://medestheticsmag.com/new-standards-patient-photographs#commentsAllergan Updates Its Brilliant Distinctions Programhttp://medestheticsmag.com/allergan-updates-its-brilliant-distinctions-program
<div class="field field-name-field-main-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/allergan-updates-its-brilliant-distinctions-program"><img class="img-responsive" src="http://medestheticsmag.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_full_380x380/public/Dollar_symbol_gold4web.jpg?itok=8QG2hbB4" width="380" height="380" alt="New Patient Reward System Unveiled" title="Allergan Updates Brilliant Distinctions" /></a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Allergan has updated it Brilliant Distinctions patient reward program with new digital tools and new qualifying services. Patients can now earn rewards for CoolSculpting treatments in addition to Botox Cosmetic and Juvederm procedures, Skinmedica products and Latisse purchases. They can also purchase Skinmedica products online through the new Brilliant Connection e-commerce site. Additional upgrades include a new mobile app that allows patients to track points and shop for products; a three-tired silver, gold and diamond status system; extended expiration period for earned points; and a new, user-friendly dashboard to track purchases and rewards.</p>
<p><em>Image courtesy of Wikimedia/Rugby471<em></em></em></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-4 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/articles/news">News</a></div></div></div>Thu, 14 Sep 2017 19:32:39 +0000ihansen1766 at http://medestheticsmag.comhttp://medestheticsmag.com/allergan-updates-its-brilliant-distinctions-program#commentsAllergan and Sientra Support Breast Implant Researchhttp://medestheticsmag.com/allergan-and-sientra-support-breast-implant-research
<div class="field field-name-field-main-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/allergan-and-sientra-support-breast-implant-research"><img class="img-responsive" src="http://medestheticsmag.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_full_380x380/public/ASAPSLogo4web.jpg?itok=wq1ww67M" width="380" height="380" alt="Allergan and Sientra Support New Breast Aug Database" title="American Society for Aesthetics Plastic Surgery" /></a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Breast implant manufacturers Allergan and Sientra have each made financial contributions to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) to help fund the development of software that will enable ASAPS to acquire data on Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). The technology will enable both the organization and the industry to garner data and improve outcomes directly at the point-of-care, via ASAPS member practices.</p>
<p>BIA-ALCL is a rare spectrum of disorders that can range from a benign accumulation of fluids around the breast (seroma) to an extremely rare lymphoma that, when caught early, is readily curable. On a global scale, approximately 30,000,000 women have breast implants worldwide, and there have been 12 reported deaths associated with BIA-ALCL worldwide.</p>
<p>“Our software is able to actually track breast implants or any other implantable device making it possible to follow the patient for years to come,” said Clyde Ishii, MD, president of ASAPS. “The software could easily be used for any type of medical registry, working in conjunction with data that is currently being collected. It will also be invaluable to our research efforts via the Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation (ASERF). This would not be possible without the generous support of Allergan and Sientra.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-5 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/article-free-tagging/asaps">ASAPS</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/article-free-tagging/breast-augmentation">breast augmentation</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-4 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/articles/news">News</a></div></div></div>Thu, 14 Sep 2017 19:29:33 +0000ihansen1765 at http://medestheticsmag.comhttp://medestheticsmag.com/allergan-and-sientra-support-breast-implant-research#commentsTaking the Leadhttp://medestheticsmag.com/taking-lead
<div class="field field-name-field-deck field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">George J. Hruza, MD, immerses himself in the dermatology community to ensure a stronger specialty and take advantage of lifelong learning opportunities.</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-by-line field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">By Keith Loria</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-main-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taking-lead"><img class="img-responsive" src="http://medestheticsmag.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_full_380x380/public/ProfileOpener4web.jpg?itok=gLd0XKxU" width="380" height="380" alt="MedEsthetics September 2016" title="George J. Hruza, MD" /></a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>George J. Hruza, MD, has always been surrounded by the medical field. His mother was a pediatrician, who later became a psychiatrist. His father was a gerontology researcher and pathologist. His sister is a radiologist; her husband is a rheumatologist. So it’s no surprise that Dr. Hruza, founder of the Laser &amp; Dermatologic Surgery Center in Chesterfield, Missouri, also sought a career in medicine. “It seemed like a profession that would allow me to make a tangible difference for the better in someone’s life,” he says.</p>
<p>But dermatology wasn’t his original choice, the Queens, New York, native admits. His goal upon entering medical school at New York University was to become a cardiologist. </p>
<p>“I was examining patients and listening to their hearts, but I wasn’t able to hear the S3 and S4 sounds that everyone else seemed to be hearing,” he says. “Clearly, my hearing skills were not quite there—but I am a very visual person and dermatology is a visual specialty. When I worked in dermatology for the first time, I had the same feeling as when I chose medical school—I knew I could make a difference.”</p>
<p>At the time, medical lasers were in their infancy, and Dr. Hruza gravitated toward these new tools. He got a position at the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General, where he worked with R. Rox Anderson, MD, and John Parrish, MD. </p>
<p>“They had lasers that could target almost anything in the skin, and we were in the lab working on some of the earliest devices—Q-switched ruby, CO2, erbium and the excimer. It was fascinating,” says Dr. Hruza. “I may have been the first or second person to be a laser fellow there.”</p>
<p>He next did a Mohs surgery fellowship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison with Fred Mohs, MD, Stephen Snow, MD, and Paul Larson, MD, after which he was recruited to join the faculty at Washington University in St. Louis, where he spent 11 years teaching dermatologic surgery.</p>
<p>“Not only was I dealing with different types of patients and procedures—the university had some challenging cases—but I had residents and fellows with me for ongoing back-and-forth teaching,” he says. “They kept me on my toes. It was very rewarding and interesting.”</p>
<h2>An Interest in Business Management</h2>
<p>About nine years into his academic career, Dr. Hruza enrolled in an MBA program to hone his business skills in anticipation of opening his own private practice. In 1999 he opened the Laser &amp; Dermatologic Surgery Center.</p>
<p>“The academic world was sometimes confining. If we wanted to change how we operated or add a new laser, especially in the aesthetics arena, it was difficult,” he says. “But when I went into private practice, I continued my fellowship program, which kept me in academics so I could support my inquisitive nature and still be my own boss.”</p>
<p>His practice was profitable early on thanks to the many patients who followed him from the university system. “It started off great right away,” he says. “The majority of our practice growth has been through word-of-mouth.” </p>
<p>Based on the positive support from his existing patients, Dr. Hruza instilled in his staff the need to provide an optimal patient experience. “We make sure that when patients come in, we see them on time. We offer extended hours and always have adequate staff,” he says. </p>
<h2>Marketing Savvy</h2>
<p>Today, the Laser &amp; Dermatologic Surgery Center has 15 staff members, several of whom have been with Dr. Hruza for more than a decade. “We have nine staff members on the clinical side of things, and the others are in the front office,” he says. “On the clinical side, we have a range of people from the medical assistant level to nurses, and we have a physician assistant and a nurse practitioner.”</p>
<p>The facility, which Dr. Hruza built and helped design, is modern, minimalistic and elegant, with a large lobby, quartz flooring and a glass wall leading to the waiting room. “It’s very open and inviting,” he says. “I have Art-Deco posters and a gorgeous silk Persian rug on the wall.”</p>
<p>Dr. Hruza hangs his professional accomplishments on one wall of his waiting room, and a bulletin board displays recent news stories in which he has been featured. “Patients enjoy that,” he says. “I think it helps connect them to me, and it puts them more at ease. It is important to market yourself and your practice as providing top-quality personalized care. It’s far more useful than marketing the latest device or procedure.” </p>
<p>He also maintains a strong online presence. “Physician reviews have become especially important in the last few years,” he says. “But unhappy patients are much more likely to post a review than happy ones. Due to HIPAA regulations, we can’t respond with specifics to complaints, so we need to make sure that our happy patients are represented and overwhelm the rare negative review. That’s why we encourage all patients to post online reviews.”</p>
<p>Dr. Hruza has found that the no-show rate from the Internet is about 50%, which has reinforced his belief that cultivating positive relationships with existing patients is the lifeblood of private practice. To ensure he and his staff are living up to their goal of providing an optimal patient experience, all patients are given a survey when they leave the office.</p>
<p>“The staff is a huge part of our success. I hear all the time from patients how wonderfully they were treated,” says Dr. Hruza. “My goal as a physician and practice leader is for my employees to know that I am genuinely interested in understanding and helping them achieve their goals. I want my patients to know that once I am in the exam room, I am 100% focused on their concerns and care.”</p>
<h2>A Leading Role in Dermatology</h2>
<p>In addition to treating patients and managing his practice, Dr. Hruza is the president-elect of the American Academy of Dermatology and has held leadership positions in several professional organizations. He is a former president of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, the St. Louis Metropolitan Medical Society and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. He has also lectured on lasers and dermatologic surgery on four continents, written four textbooks on laser surgery and authored more than 150 scientific articles.</p>
<p>His varied roles as physician, practice owner and medical society officer have also pushed him to get more involved in government legislation. While he feels that some regulations have had a positive impact on patient safety, he feels other efforts are unnecessary and make things much more difficult for providers and patients.<br />
“I am going to Washington, D.C. three times a year fighting for these types of issues because I want to preserve and strengthen the doctor-patient relationship and try to keep government interference at bay,” he says.</p>
<p>Dr. Hruza’s immersion in all aspects of dermatology reduces the amount of time he can spend with patients, he admits. “But I see it as an opportunity to give back and to help dermatology be a continuing, thriving specialty,” he says. “Dermatology has been very good to me and my family, and I have been very happy and fulfilled in my career.” </p>
<p><em>Keith Loria is a freelance writer based in Oaktown, VA</em></p>
<p><em>Photography by Mark Beaven</em></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-5 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/article-free-tagging/george-hruza">George Hruza</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/laser-and-dermatologic-surgery-center/article-free-tagging">Laser and Dermatologic Surgery Center</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-4 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/5">Practice Management</a></div></div></div>Thu, 14 Sep 2017 19:18:12 +0000ihansen1764 at http://medestheticsmag.comhttp://medestheticsmag.com/taking-lead#commentsFDA Steps Up Enforcement on Unproven Stem Cell Therapies http://medestheticsmag.com/fda-steps-enforcement-unproven-stem-cell-therapies
<div class="field field-name-field-deck field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-by-line field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-main-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/fda-steps-enforcement-unproven-stem-cell-therapies"><img class="img-responsive" src="http://medestheticsmag.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_full_380x380/public/GettyImages-forweb_0.jpg?itok=AMkGZWCF" width="380" height="380" alt="FDA issues statement on enforcement and new policies for regenerative medicine" title="Stem cell therapies" /></a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>In a statement released on August 28, 2017, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD, outlined the agency’s new policy goals and enforcement efforts to ensure proper oversight of stem cell therapies and regenerative medicine.</p>
<p>His statement reads in part:</p>
<p>“To make sure the agency is separating the promise from the unscrupulous hype, we are stepping up our enforcement activity in this area. At the same time, this fall the FDA will advance a comprehensive policy framework that will more clearly describe the rules of the road for this new field. This comprehensive policy is based on our existing authority. It will offer responsible product developers—including individual providers working in clinics and academic hospitals and advancing their own products as part of regenerative medicine procedures—a way to more efficiently gain FDA approval for their products through a process that is minimally burdensome and less costly….</p>
<p>“In terms of compliance, and with regard to our increased oversight and enforcement: In the last few days alone, the FDA has taken steps in Florida and California to address a number of especially troubling products being marketed. But unfortunately, these are examples of a larger pool of actors who claim that their unproven and unsafe products will address a serious disease, but instead put patients at significant risk. We will seek to take additional actions in the coming months as we address this field, and target those who are clearly stepping over the line, at the same time that they create a potential danger to patients. We have examples where some of these unproven treatments have clearly harmed patients.</p>
<p>“As the agency responsible for ensuring these therapies are safe and effective, I will not allow these activities to go unchecked. I’ve directed the FDA to launch a new working group to pursue unscrupulous clinics through whatever legally enforceable means are necessary to protect the public health. Late last week, FDA worked with the United States Attorney to ask a court to seize the components of a product that involved the use of vaccinia virus vaccine as part of a purported treatment for cancer that FDA believes created the potential for substantial risks to patients. The product posed significant public health concerns for the agency.”</p>
<p>Read the full statement <a href="https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm573443.htm">here</a>. </p>
<p><em>Image copyright Getty Images</em></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-4 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/articles/news">News</a></div></div></div>Thu, 07 Sep 2017 18:56:16 +0000ihansen1763 at http://medestheticsmag.comhttp://medestheticsmag.com/fda-steps-enforcement-unproven-stem-cell-therapies#commentsGalderma Announces Two New VP Appointmentshttp://medestheticsmag.com/galderma-announces-two-new-vp-appointments
<div class="field field-name-field-main-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/galderma-announces-two-new-vp-appointments"><img class="img-responsive" src="http://medestheticsmag.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_full_380x380/public/Chris-Chapman.-forweb.jpg?itok=koX202HM" width="380" height="380" alt="Galderma Announces New VPs" title="Chris Chapman, Galderma" /></a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Alisa Lask is the new vice president and general manager of Galderma’s Aesthetic &amp; Corrective Business unit in the U.S. Chris Chapman has been named vice president and general manager of the company’s Prescription Business unit in the U.S.</p>
<p>Lask, who previously served as vice president of marketing in the Aesthetics &amp; Corrective unit, will manage Galderma's portfolio of aesthetic treatments, including Restylane and Sculptra Aesthetic. Prior to joining Galderma, she worked in global marketing for facial aesthetics at Allergan, served as vice president of global strategic marketing at Zimmer Biomet and spent 11 years at Eli Lilly specializing in marketing for women’s health and neuroscience. </p>
<p>Chapman previously served as vice president of strategic access for Galderma’s Prescription Business unit. In his new role, he will manage Galderma’s portfolio of prescription medications including the full line of products for acne, psoriasis, eczema and rosacea. He will also oversee Galderma CareConnect, a patient savings card program that he developed and launched after joining the company in 2015.</p>
<p><em>Image: Chris Chapman<p></p>
</em></p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-5 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/article-free-tagging/galderma">Galderma</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/alisa-lask/article-free-tagging">Alisa Lask</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/chris-chapman/article-free-tagging">Chris Chapman</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-4 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/articles/news">News</a></div></div></div>Thu, 07 Sep 2017 18:53:17 +0000ihansen1762 at http://medestheticsmag.comhttp://medestheticsmag.com/galderma-announces-two-new-vp-appointments#comments